While many Hungarians speak good English – especially in Budapest – knowing a few Hungarian words can help you connect more deeply with the culture, avoid confusion, and even make you smile at the local market.

In this new XpatLoop series, we’ll highlight bite-sized chunks of practical Hungarian that expats actually use – whether it’s at the grocery store, at a government office, or simply ordering coffee. Here’s the first set to get you started.

Everyday Essentials

These are some of the most useful words and expressions you'll hear in shops, markets, and daily errands:

Hello / Hi – Szia / Helló
Thank you – Köszönöm (or casually: Köszi)
Excuse me / Sorry – Elnézést / Bocsánat
Please – Kérem
How much is it? – Mennyibe kerül?
I don’t understand – Nem értem
Yes / No – Igen / Nem

At the Bakery or Market

Hungarian food culture is rich, and learning just a few local terms will make your shopping experience much easier (and tastier).

Bread – Kenyér
Milk – Tej
Cheese – Sajt
Eggs – Tojás
Apples – Alma
Tomatoes – Paradicsom
Water – Víz
Cash register – Pénztár
Receipt – Blokk

Pro tip: In Hungarian supermarkets, you may be asked: “Van pénztár blokk?” – meaning “Do you have the receipt?” Keep it handy!

Ordering Coffee Like a Local

Whether you're in a modern café or a cozy presszó, these words will help:

Coffee – Kávé
Espresso – Presszókávé
Latte – Tejeskávé
With milk – Tejjel
Without sugar – Cukor nélkül
To go – Elvitelre
Here / Stay – Helyben

Bonus Phrase That Gets a Smile

Try this one when you make a small mistake or fumble with your Hungarian:

“Még tanulok magyarul.”
(I'm still learning Hungarian.)

It almost always earns a friendly nod or smile – and sometimes even a helpful correction.

Why Learn Even a Little?

Hungarian isn’t the easiest language, but even just trying opens doors. Locals appreciate when expats make the effort, and the rewards are real: smoother interactions, fewer misunderstandings, and the warm sense that you’re living here – not just visiting.

Coming Up in Part 2

In the next article, we’ll cover survival vocab for public transport, at the post office, and dealing with admin, plus a few phrases to help with doctor’s visits and navigating bureaucracy.

Stay tuned – or as they say in Hungarian: “Folytatjuk!” (To be continued…)